DOVER - Loretta "Soft Wind" Gourley passed away Oct. 12, 2017, at Bay Health Hospital in Delaware surrounded by her loving family.
Loretta was born Sept. 16, 1946, in Cheswold to the late Alfred P. and Millie Sammons. As a young child Mrs. Gourley attended Cheswold Indian School.
Loretta was a member of Immanuel Union United Methodist Church and Nanticoke Lenni Lenape tribe of New Jersey. Throughout her life Loretta worked at LeDel's in Cheswold and Petersburg's store as a clerk, Kling's meat market as a meat packer and a domestic cleaner for W. T. Smither's and the Dinner Bell Inn. As a young lady she enjoyed bowling, bike riding, and camping. She was an avid fan of Victor from the Young, and the Restless and Bold in the Beautiful, and the Washington Redskins. Loretta loved participating in the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Pow Wows in Delaware and New Jersey.
In addition to her birth parents, she was also preceded in death by her adopted parents, William "Billy" and Leola "Mommy Lee" Morris; her daughter, Yvonne "Bright Sparrow" Gourley ; her brother, Alfred O. Sammons; her in-laws, Edward "Ducky" and Margaret Gourley; and sister-in-laws, Wanda Friss and Peggy Morris.
Loretta is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Dennis Gourley. In addition to her husband she is survived by her brother, Terry W. Sammons and his wife Mary Ann; her adopted sisters, Janice Durham (Tony), Anita Wright (Robert); her adopted brother, Bruce Morris (Trudy); her sister-in-laws, Janet Shaw (Bobby), Marlyn Gourley (Joe), Jo Anne Sammons, Teresa Morgan; brother-in-law, Kenny Gourley Sr. (Sharon); her uncle, Robert Carey (Ruth); her live-in niece, Tracie Gourley, 21 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, one great-great niece, one God-child and Bones her beloved dog.
Friends and family may call Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Torbert Funeral Chapels, 1145 Lebanon Rd. (Rt. 10), Dover, DE 19901.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, 11 a.m., with a viewing one hour before at Immanuel Union United Methodist Church, 756 Main Street, Cheswold, DE 19936. Interment will follow services at Immanuel Union United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Immanuel Union United Methodist Church Sunday School, PO Box 309, Cheswold, DE 19936.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com